Wellspring Therapy Group :: Services

The Wellspring Therapy Group offers a variety of assessment skills, protocols and therapies to meet your needs including:

Acupressure

Acupressure is based on the same points and meridians as in Acupuncture. In acupressure, however, these areas are stimulated with finger, thumb pressure, and circular massage friction rather than needles. Acupressure is non-invasive, simple, and one session usually lasts an hour. Acupressure is focused on different reflex points on the surface of the body that may relate to a persisting symptom.

Acupressure (has many benefits):

It relieves stress and tension,

Relaxes the mind and body

Increases blood circulation

Aids in removal of septic wastes

Provides relief from such aches in the head, neck, or shoulders

Aids in healing of injuries

Increases energy levels

Enhances overall feeling of well being

Diminishes labor pains

Many East Asian martial arts use acupressure for self-defense and health purposes. These same points used to relieve stress or pain, can be used against an oncoming attacker or opponent. Applying pressure to these points can be used to manipulate or incapacitate an opponent. Martial artists regularly massage their own acu-points to remove blockages, thereby enhancing their circulation and flexibility. Keeping their pressure points "soft" makes them less vulnerable to an attack.

Jin Shin Jyutsu / Jin Shin Do (tm) - A Bodymind acupressure -

Jin Shin Jyutsu –

Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient healing art that helps to balance the vital energy of the whole person's body, mind, and spirit. Jin Shin Jyutsu is a non-massage form of shiatsu developed by Jiro Murai in Japan. Our revitalizing energy that flows up our back and down our front can become blocked in 26 different places. According to its theory, fatigue, tension, or illness can trap "energy" in these "safety energy locks." The purported design of Jin Shin Jyutsu is to harmonize the flow of energy through the body. In order to clear these energy locks, Jin Shin Jyutsu uses fingertips over clothing in certain areas, or the simple holding of a toe to act as jumper cables to relieve pain and/or reduce muscle tension, thus bringing release and calmness. It also brings balance to the body's energies, which promotes optimal health and wellbeing, and facilitates our own profound healing capacity.

Jin Shin Do –

Jin Shin Do ("The Way of the Compassionate Spirit") is a therapeutic massage technique developed in the 1970s by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden derived from Jin Shin Jyutsu. It combines elements of Japanese acupressure, Chinese acupuncture, of Wilhelm Reich, Qigong, principles of Ericksonian psychotherapy, and Taoist philosophy, but uses its own specialized terminology. The technique uses verbal guidance, light exercise, and fully-clothed massage. The major goal is to release chronic tension, referred to as "armoring", and to rebalance the flow of energy or life force based on the traditional Chinese concept of Qi. Neither qi, nor the meridians along which it is said to flow, have any physiological or histological basis.

Cranio-Sacral

A natural rhythm is created in each of us by the ebb and flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord. A trained Cranio-Sacral practitioner works with this rhythmic flow by applying gentle pressure on and around the head and neck. Headaches, earaches, blockages and sinus problems may be relieved by this therapy.

From 1975 to 1983, after extensive research and observations of cranial activity, physician John E. Upledger pioneered and developed Cranio-Sacral therapies and procedures. His procedure includes using a soft touch, about the weight of a nickel (5 grams), a practitioner will release restriction in the Cranio-Sacral system to improve the flow and activity of the central nervous system stemming from the brain.

Cranio-Sacral therapy is used as a preventative health measure against diseases and a wide range of medical discomforts associated with pain and dysfunction. Some of which include migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, motor-coordination impairments, colic, autism, central nervous system disorders, orthopedic problems, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, scoliosis, chronic fatigue, and stress and tension-related problems.

Dance Therapy

Dance/movement therapy (sometimes referred to as Choreotherapy) is the psychotherapeutic use of movement as a process to assist in the emotional, cognitive, social and physical integration of the individual. Dance or movement therapy involves moving the body, with or without music, in order to release past traumas and/or learn self-acceptance. Dance and movement therapists who specialize in helping clients cope with stress, trauma, or discomfort with this type of therapy are employed in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, day care, community mental health centers, developmental centers, correctional facilities, special schools and rehabilitation facilities.

Young children, the elderly, and others in between all benefit from this stimulating therapy designed to energized and revitalize the body.

Energy Balancing

An energy balancer redirects or unblocks a person's "Qi". This allows us to restore our energy pattern. Bodyworkers may work towards balancing energy over the course of a treatment. Others may use their intuition, pendulums, or other devices to locate any blocked areas. Massage therapists and exercise instructors claim to be able to balance the inner energy inside the body by simple movements and self control exercises. Pilates and Yoga are the most widely used exercise programs to balance the inner energy flowing throughout the body system. The inner "chi" is balanced and control is achieved when exercises and other methods of energy balancing are conducted properly.

Integrative Manual Therapy (tm)

IMT includes:

Cranial therapy (including bone bruise techniques)

Muscle energy techniques

Visceral manipulation (including disruption of membrane techniques)

Neural tissue tension techniques

Strain Counter-strain techniques for blood vessels

Manual therapy is a non-invasive treatment aimed at clearing blockages that inhibit the body's natural ability to heal itself. By applying an indirect force to the skin surface, internal energy channels can be restored, dissolving stressed tissue memory and promoting the natural progress of cellular repair. Treatments have yielded positive results for clients with a wide variety of acute, chronic and complex ailments, including unresolved pain and/or fatigue, spinal injury, joint degeneration, surgical rehabilitation and athletic impairment. Areas targeted are often related to high levels of toxicity within the body and a suppressed immune system response. These two root conditions, paired with injury or trauma, have been correlated to diseases commonly suffered over a lifetime. Treatment through IMT offers hope for improved health and quality of living.

The positive impact of manual therapy across a range of illnesses has been validated by thousands of case studies as well as documentation of life-changing personal experiences.

The number of treatments required depends on the severity and amount of time the condition has existed, along with goals set for rehabilitation. Treatment may include coaching on lifestyle modifications such as stress management techniques and nutrition.

Cotton clothing is recommended for treatment sessions.

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is a process of manual manipulation of the body's muscular and soft tissue structure. Depending on the purpose for the massage, a variety of techniques can be used, either for relaxation, or for clinical and therapeutic benefit. Massage therapy involves the healing art of touch. Benefits may include: increasing blood circulation and metabolism, expelling waste products from the cells, reducing stress by releasing tension, easing pain from an injury, and relaxing the muscles. Traditional healthcare systems throughout the world recognize that therapeutic massage can play an important role in treating illness or chronic ailments, and contribute to a higher sense of general well-being. With ever-expanding research on the beneficial effects of massage, more professionals are advising patients to include therapeutic massage in their health care treatment plans. Massage therapy has become an important part of general health care for many people living in today's stressful world. Massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies are defined as the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body.

Myofascial Release is a form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release muscular tension. Myofascial Release is a manual therapy technique that is utilized to help relieve pain and tension that is due to injury or stress. It involves releasing and unwinding the fascia (connective tissue) that surrounds each muscle and interconnects all of the other internal parts of the body. This tissue layer, which connects every muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, and organ in our bodies, can store memories of physical trauma. Releasing these restrictions allows us to discharge recurring emotional and physical pain. Sessions can include craniosacral work, stretching techniques, and deep touch.

Reflexology

Simply put, reflexology is an ancient Chinese technique that uses pressure-point massage (usually on the feet, but also on the hands and ears) to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body. The science of Reflexology has been around for thousands of years. It is based on the premise that there are reflexes in our hands, feet and ears that relate to every organ and part of our body. By stimulating these reflexes with pressure and manipulation, nerve function and blood supply may be improved, which may alleviate stress and other health problems. Reflexology is based on the belief that each part of the body is interconnected through the nervous system to the hands and feet. Stimulating specific reflex points in the feet can bring needed nutrients to poorly functioning areas of the body. This can help restore balance throughout the body.

According to reflexology, by applying pressure to a specific part (the foot is broken up into different points which, if stimulated correctly, directly correlate to another body system or organ) the body will naturally begin to heal itself. Reflexology has also been called "Zone therapy."

Eunice Ingham developed Reflexology in the 1930s, based on earlier theory by Dr. William Fitzgerald known as "Zone Therapy". Dr. Fitzgerald noted that specific parts of the body could have an anesthetic effect on another area. He then later divided the body into ten equal vertical zones, ending in the fingers and toes. He concluded that pressure on one part of the zone could affect everything else within that zone.

Thai Massage

Thai massage originated in India over 2500 years ago. The theoretical basis for this style of bodywork is the existence of the energy body, which includes 72,000 "sen" or energy lines through which life force flows. Through compressions, pressure on specific points and stretches to release blockages, a free flow of energy is restored. Thai Massage is one of the world's oldest healing modalities. It is a blend of massage, acupressure, energy work, and gentle yoga stretches. No oil or lotion is used in the treatment. The client wears comfortable clothing for the duration of the massage, and lies on a soft futon-style mat on the floor. Benefits from a session may include: releasing tight joints, stretching muscles, increasing range of motion, and reducing stress. Thai massage is known in Thailand as Nuat phaen boran, correctly translates only as ancient massage or traditional massage.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy. The therapist applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain. It appears that most muscular pains have a trigger point that causes the muscle to go into spasms. Trigger Point Therapy involves placing pressure on that trigger point so that the muscle can relax and the pain can be lessened. Pressure is generally applied with fingers, knuckles, and elbows. This form of therapy is often followed by stretching the muscles. The basic idea is that the trigger point that is the source of the pain is not always where the patient feels the pain. The trigger point could be several inches away from the place where they feel the discomfort or pain. It is said that, by applying pressure to the actual point of the source, the practitioner in turn may be able to control the pain experienced.